What It Is:
theBalm Time Balm Concealer in Light

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Concealer is one product that I’m somewhat obsessed with. It has the power to make anyone go from sleepy-zombie to wide awake and also masks imperfections. Gorgeous skin is something everyone pines for and concealer is your #1 friend in faking it.

theBalm is one of my fave cosmetic brands. Their products are amazing quality, with cute packaging and most importantly, reasonable prices. The stuff they put out is top-notch, but they don’t jack their prices up to astronomical heights! Time Balm Concealer is a cult classic and I was so excited to test it out! Read More »

I love browsing around Sephora, peeking through the glass department store cosmetics cases, and trying on expensive designer make-up just as much as the next girl, but when push comes to shove, I’m a struggling college student who simply can’t afford to buy the high-end products (but a girl can dream, right?). I’m always hearing women praise the quality, longevity and overall appeal of high-priced cosmetics, but after splurging once or twice on a whim, I can honestly say I prefer to stick with the drugstore basics.

When it comes to concealer (one of the most essential necessities of life, am I right?), I don’t think there’s any reason to spend more than $11. I tend to go for Covergirl stuff, but I’m also a fan of the surprisingly cheap (and healthy!) Neutrogena cosmetics line. Here’s why: Read More »

While many of you love wearing makeup and search your couch cushions and the bottom of all your purses for loose money so you can buy new products, there are a lot of you out there who actually hate wearing makeup. Trust me when I say that I get it; I used to be one of those girls!

Makeup can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you don’t know what products to use or how to use them. Plus, sometimes you just don’t want to stand in front of a mirror and put on your face, dammit. But the honest truth: you don’t have to! Having a polished face doesn’t have to mean 35 products and 30 minutes putting them on. Read More »

A few weeks ago I talked about Eye Candy Coolers, small cooling pads that help decrease puffiness under your eyes. Well, this week I wanted to keep with the theme (because if there’s one thing we college ladies have in common it’s a serious lack of rest) and talk about how to conceal dark circles! A lot of you have been asking me about this, and it’s finally here! I personally don’t deal with this on a regular basis (I know, I’m blessed), but when I’m out too late or I’m studying until all hours of the night, I do end up looking much worse for the wear.

Luckily, it’s an easy fix.

How, you ask? Just use concealer! But not just any concealer. Picking the right one is important, so I’m sharing what I use. I’ve also got a few tips on how to distract people from looking at your circles (even though they probably don’t notice ‘em anyway). So if you’re embarrassed by your raccoon eyes, this is the video is for you.

And if you are a chronic sufferer of dark circles, please leave your own tips below! Read More »

I am not a morning person. Never have been, never will be. And it shows on my face in the form of dark circles and tired eyes.

Even though I always want to crawl back into my comfy bed and get more rest, I know that with a touch of the right makeup I can instantly fix that problem. As a girl, I know that no matter how tired I am, I always want to look my best. Therefore, here is a tutorial on how to achieve that bright-eyed, wide-awake look. Even if you received zero hours of sleep, with these steps, nobody will be able to tell! Read More »

You already know how I feel about Tarte cosmetics and if you don’t I’ll tell you: I’m obsessed. Their products are high quality and eco-friendly; what more can you ask for?

Well, Tarte has teamed up with Commando underwear to get you covered (from top to [your] bottom) for the upcoming holiday season. They’re giving away up to $750 worth of goodness and all you have to do is enter. And with products like theirs, that is definitely something to be thankful for this season.

Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara is hands down the best mascara I’ve ever tried. Ever. And I’ve tried all of them. Every time a magazine boasted about their favorite mascara, I’d buy it. But they were all the same. I just figured mascara was mascara and started buying whatever was cheapest at Target. But Tarte taught me that there is a difference and not all mascaras are created equal. I honestly don’t know how they do it, but my eyes have never looked better or brighter. Seriously. It’s a miracle product.

Oh, and as long as we’re talking about the best products ever, let me just tell you about The Eraser, a legendary concealer. Not only does this stuff cover up the major black circles under my eyes (tested and approved on a particularly hungover morning), but it has a brush built in so you don’t have to run your greasy fingers across your freshly washed face. Gah! I just love it. Read More »

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money?

Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll share the best and the worst with you.

What it is: Dior Skinflash Primer- Radiance Boosting Makeup Primer

Why this should be in your bag: This product is pricey at $40, but it is multi-functional.  You can use it as a primer underneath your makeup, then throw it in your bag and apply it during the day to even out your skin and eliminate shine.  It includes Photo-smart pigments.  Okay, I have no idea what that means, but it must be good because it adds light to your face for an instant glow and makes you look refreshed even if you were up super late studying… or partying.  Instant wonderful glow.

How to use it: This primer has a built in brush, which makes it portable.  Just twist the base and the primer will flow into the brush.  Apply the makeup to the back of your hand and swirl the brush in, then apply to your face to make your foundation last or to look instantly refreshed. Read More »

You wake up, go into your bathroom, and look into the mirror. You then scream “WHAT THE EFF IS ON MY FACE?!” It happens. We all break out. If you say you never do, either you’re lying or you don’t PMS. But I digress. You were supposed to go out today, but how can you possibly do that with honker like that on your face?

No fear, I’m here to help!

First things first, DO NOT pick or pop your zits. Seriously, take your hands away from your face! Sit on them if you have to, just do NOT touch that zit.  If it’s a really bad one, grab some ice to reduce the redness and swelling and that’s it. Next, follow the steps in this video and in less than 4 minutes your face will look like nothing ever happened!

In middle school I had horrible skin. Constantly. By the end of high school it had really cleared up, but I feel like my years of pre-teen suffering were sufficient for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, middle school awkwardness does not justify a zit free life, and sometimes pesky pimples still pop up; like before a big party, exciting date or run-in with an ex. Perfect.

This happens to just about everyone, (or at least this is what I tell myself) so here are some good spot treatments to clear up that annoying blackhead (hopefully) before you finish your pre-game. Read More »

So you just woke up (late) and there is a new enemy in your life: that zit on your forehead, which is especially perfect because you have class in about 10 minutes. You need a quick and easy way to cover it up (and those scary raccoon under-eye circles, while you’re at it), without turning into that girl with light colored goo spread all over her face. You know who I’m talkin’ about…

Concealer sometimes seems like a tricky product – enough coverage without being cakey, matching your skin, lasting all day -  but it’s not as hard as you may think. When choosing a concealer, it is important to find one that matches your skin tone, is lightweight and oil-free, and conceals your problem areas (while concealing the fact that you’re using concealer!). Below are some of my favorite concealers in three different forms. However you choose to go, all of these provide the not-so-obvious coverage you desire:

Palette- Make Up For Ever Professional: Five Camouflage Cream Palette: This rectangular compact contains five varying cream hues, which is perfect to blend together and match different skin tones. Some creams may work best for under-eye concealer and others may work well as highlighting hues. This kit comes in several color combos so you can find the one that matches you best! Helpful Hint from Sephora: Apply these concealers underneath your foundation for extra staying-power. Try applying these creams with Bare Essentual’s Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. Yes, it’s a little pricey for a brush but it’s thick bristles and angled tip make it perfect for getting the best coverage out of your concealer. Read More »